Effects of daily cost feedback on residential electricity consumption

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Beh. Modificat.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/014544557932004· OSTI ID:6304976

Bittle, R G; Valesano, R; Thaler, G

Fifteen families receiving daily feedback of information on their electricity consumption consistently used less electricity than 15 families not receiving the feedback. Conditions were reversed after 52 days, but after an initial reversal in consumption, the second group again used more electricity. Closer inspection of the second group showed that consumption dropped on feedback days. The fact that reversal of conditions did not produce reversals in consumption could be due to carryover effects of the initial feedback provided to the first group. The results suggest that feedback is an effective way to reduce consumption, and that efforts to promote energy conservation may be more effective if they are made when demands for energy are low. 10 references, 3 tables.

• Research Organization: Anna Mental Health and Development Center, IL
• OSTI ID: 6304976
• Journal Information: Beh. Modificat.; (United States), Journal Name: Beh. Modificat.; (United States) Vol. 3:2; ISSN BEMOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320101 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Residential Buildings-- (-1987)
320900* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Education & Public Relations-- (1980-)
BEHAVIOR
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FEEDBACK
HOUSEHOLDS
INFORMATION NEEDS
POWER DEMAND
PUBLIC POLICY
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR